WASHINGTON – The Senate’s top Democrat said he hopes at least 41 of his colleagues make a “statement” by voting no today on arch-conservative attorney-general wannabe John Ashcroft.

Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota, speaking on the eve of today’s bitter vote, said it would be “troubling” if 20 or more of his fellow Democrats jump sides and cast pro-Ashcroft votes alongside Republicans.

“I think that it would be troubling if our caucus was not able to surpass 30 votes on this issue,” said Daschle, who is voting against Ashcroft.

If 41 or more Democrats say no to Ashcroft, “I think it would be phenomenal . . . it would be a strong statement,” added Daschle, even as he voiced concern that the number may fall below that.

The head count came as the Senate’s top Republican, Trent Lott of Mississippi, maintained he expects Ashcroft to win easy confirmation today.

The Senate devoted yesterday to debating Ashcroft’s nomination – the only one of President Bush’s Cabinet selections to spark such an intense argument.

Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) predicted that Ashcroft “will be approved by a sizable margin” even as he warned Democrats about a “reckless campaign” to drive up opposition to his appointment.

But Democrats said Ashcroft’s anti-abortion, anti-gay feelings make him too dangerous to place in charge of the Justice Department.

“I regret that I’m going to have to vote against our new president,” said Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), while Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) said flatly: “I do not believe he’s the right person for the job.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee split 10-8 Tuesday in passing Ashcroft’s name to the full Senate for a vote; he needs 51 votes to win and all 50 GOPers, plus four Democrats, have already vowed to back him.